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Circumstances unclear surrounding player's death

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The forward passed away just a day after making debut for Qatari side El Jaish

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Ecuador international Christian Benitez, the top scorer in the Mexican league last season, has died suddenly at the age of 27.

The striker popularly known as 'Chucho' passed away in the Qatari capital Doha, one day after playing his first game for new side El Jaish.

Having played at the 2006 World Cup as a youngster, Benitez had developed into an important component of an Ecuadorian side bidding to reach next year's finals in Brazil.

His 24 international goals make him the third highest scorer overall for Ecuador's national team.

Jose Chamorro, the player's agent, told an Ecuadorian television station that Benitez had suffered a heart attack and died in hospital, where he had been taken after complaining of abdominal pains.

Manchester United star Antonio Valencia, an international colleague of Benitez who played with the striker at leading Ecuadorian side El Nacional a decade ago, was among those struggling to come to terms with the loss.

The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez 6 photos

The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez6 photos

Gone but not forgotten – Christian 'Chucho' Benitez passed away Sunday after suffering heart failure. The 27-year-old, who was playing in Qatar, was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains. Benitez died just hours after making his debut for new club, El Jaish.

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The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez6 photos

Benitez the Blue – Benitez spent a year on loan in the English Premier League with Birmingham City in 2009-2010. He made 36 appearances for City, scoring four goals and came up against Ecuador teammate Antonio Valencia, who plays for Manchester United.

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The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez6 photos

National hero – Benitez scored 24 goals in 58 international appearances for Ecuador, following in the footsteps of his father Ermen Benitez, who also represented the national team. Last season, he helped Mexican side Club America win the Clausura title.

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The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez6 photos

Foe remembered – Marc-Vivien Foe died at the age of 28 after collapsing during a Confederations Cup semifinal while playing for Cameroon. Foe, who played for Manchester City and Lyon amongst others, was treated on the pitch but died after resuscitation attempts failed.

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The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez6 photos

Puerta's passing – Antonio Puerta died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 22 while playing for Spanish club side Sevilla. The defender collapsed 35 minutes into the first game of the 2007-2008 season and was rushed to hospital where he passed away.

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The life of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez6 photos

Jarque tragedy – Former Espanyol captain Daniel Jarque died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a training session in Italy in 2009. Club doctors and paramedics tried to revive Jarque but without success. He was 26.

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"This pain (is) very strong my brother but we love you," the winger wrote on Twitter, where he also posted several pictures of the diminutive forward.

Despite being a footballer who failed to hit the heights in Europe, news of Benitez's death trended on Twitter.

Ecuador's interior minister Jose Serrano was among those who took to the micro-blogging site to comment, writing: "Dear Chucho, thank you for your goals and your happiness."

Sunderland's Craig Gardner, who played with Benitez at Birmingham City between 2009 and 2010, was also moved to comment.

"Can't believe Christian Benitez has died," Gardner wrote. "I had the pleasure to play with him. He was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family."

Having only signed Benitez three weeks ago, El Jaish were forced to confirm news of his death on their website.

"The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player," a club statement said on Monday.

"Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons. The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday's match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems.

"His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character."

The son of former international Ermen Benitez, who is still the top league scorer in Ecuadorian football history, Christian made his name at El Nacional, a club where his father played with great success throughout the 1980's.